True Colors drag troupe inspires audiences to be their true selves
On a recent Saturday, Sketchbook Brewing Company's Evanston taproom was filled to standing-room capacity by an enthusiastic crowd that clapped and danced along to performances of music by Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Lady Gaga and more. The artists who garnered such a warm response are collectively known as True Colors, a local drag troupe featuring individuals with a range of developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities.
Coinciding with the first weekend of Pride Month, this show marked True Colors' fourth appearance at Sketchbook Brewing. Founded last year, the group continues to expand both its roster and fan base. True Colors' summer schedule includes performances at the Chicago Disability Pride Parade on July 26.
Drag artist Chrysanthemum, a founding member of True Colors who goes by their drag name, has loved performing since childhood. 'I am the performer of my family,' they said, adding that their interest in drag was sparked when they won an Ariana Grande lip-sync battle in college. About two years ago, Karen Forester began working as their personal caregiver, and Chrysanthemum introduced Forester to the art form of drag. Eager for Chrysanthemum to have more opportunities to perform, the two decided to form a new troupe.
True Colors was inspired by Drag Syndrome, a U.K.-based drag collective made up of artists with Down syndrome, but Chrysanthemum and Forester found this approach somewhat limiting. 'We decided it could be for anybody who was interested and wanted to participate and learn more about it,' Forester told the Tribune.
After recruiting more artists through flyers, Facebook and word of mouth, True Colors performed its first shows in 2024. With the addition of a new member last month, the troupe now includes five regular performers: Amanduh Frost, Chrome Snatchica, Chrysanthemum, George David and ZiZi D-Lite. Forester serves as the troupe's manager.
Chrysanthemum said their mom and a family friend helped them brainstorm the name True Colors, which gets at the question, 'What does it mean to show your color, to show who you are as a person?' The troupe's inclusive ethos is also conveyed through its tagline, 'Drag for All!'
In a joint interview, four members of True Colors shared their positive experiences with the group, emphasizing the sense of freedom, self-expression and community that they feel when performing in drag. Zachary Wandel, who performs as ZiZi D-Lite, has been with True Colors since their first show, which featured just ZiZi and Chrysanthemum. Wandel said of that performance, 'It felt so amazing to be on stage, to perform in front of people, because it makes me alive.'
Chrome Snatchica (who is also identified only by their drag name) began performing in drag while studying dance at Columbia College Chicago, where they graduated last month. 'It makes me feel inspired, and it makes me feel really joyful about performing,' Chrome Snatchica said of drag. 'Expressing myself is just a gift.'
Audiences have been welcoming and supportive of True Colors from the start. 'I think a lot of people in the community are seeing that this is important, this is meaningful,' said Forester. 'This is a group of people who deserve to be seen and heard.'
Each artist has developed a unique drag persona and takes a personalized approach to their performances. Several lip-sync to their choice of music, while ZiZi D-Lite sings live. Bradley Westmaas, who performs as George David, has hearing loss and uses sign language for his performances. When asked to describe George David, Westmaas said, 'If Boy George, George Michael and David Bowie all had a child, I would be that child.' At the May show, he gave a spirited rendition of Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' for the first of his two numbers.
'You don't see drag queens who are deaf that often,' said Westmaas. 'The drag community itself is kind of small, so the deaf drag community is smaller.' Chrome Snatchica, who is also deaf, added, 'It's awesome to inspire other deaf drag queens.'
Wandel reflected on what it's like to be an artist with a disability, sharing that he has experienced bullying in his life but finds performing in drag to be empowering. '(ZiZi) does not care for (what) the other people (are) saying about her, because she sings live, she knows (how) to perform very well, and she's a strong person,' Wandel said of his drag persona. 'I am a strong person, too, and I think ZiZi D-Lite wants to show the world that she can do this.'
Chrysanthemum was also bullied as a kid and wishes those bullies could see them now. 'They should come to our shows and see that we have become stronger because of them,' said Chrysanthemum. As a member of True Colors, 'You are supported and loved by so many other people who just (expletive) love you for exactly who you are meant to be. I'm so glad to be part of a group that is so kind, that is so welcoming and so freaking nice.'
'There are so many people out there who don't know who we are as people,' Chrysanthemum added. 'Don't judge people who have disabilities because once you get to know them, they're kind. They're loving. They're supportive.'
'Drag is an art form that brings people together, brings the community together, and I think that's a wonderful thing,' said Chrome Snatchica. 'The audience is definitely growing, and I think it has inspired people to be their true selves, because that's what True Colors is all about.'
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